Imaging element, semiconductor element, and electronic apparatus

ABSTRACT

An imaging element including: a photoelectric conversion layer including a compound semiconductor material; a contact layer disposed to be stacked on the photoelectric conversion layer and including a diffusion region of first electrically-conductive type impurities in a selective region; a first insulating layer provided to be opposed to the photoelectric conversion layer with the contact layer interposed therebetween and having a first opening at a position facing the diffusion region; and a second insulating layer provided to be opposed to the contact layer with the first insulating layer interposed therebetween and having a second opening that communicates with the first opening and is smaller than the first opening.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an imaging element and a semiconductor element that use a compound semiconductor material, and an electronic apparatus including the imaging element or the semiconductor element.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, development of an image sensor (imaging element) using a compound semiconductor material has progressed (e.g., see PTL 1). Such an imaging element is provided with an electrode, for example, for each pixel, thus allowing for reading of a photoelectric conversion signal for each pixel via the electrode.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Published Japanese Translation of PCT Application) No. JP2014-521216

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Such an imaging element is desired to enhance a degree of freedom of design. For example, narrowing an interval between electrodes enables miniaturization of a pixel.

It is therefore desirable to provide an imaging element and a semiconductor element that make it possible to enhance the degree of freedom of design as well as an electronic apparatus including the imaging element or the semiconductor element.

An imaging element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a photoelectric conversion layer including a compound semiconductor material; a contact layer disposed to be stacked on the photoelectric conversion layer and including a diffusion region of first electrically-conductive type impurities in a selective region; a first insulating layer provided to be opposed to the photoelectric conversion layer with the contact layer interposed therebetween and having a first opening at a position facing the diffusion region; and a second insulating layer provided to be opposed to the contact layer with the first insulating layer interposed therebetween and having a second opening that communicates with the first opening and is smaller than the first opening.

A first electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the above-described imaging element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A semiconductor element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a semiconductor layer including a contact layer that includes a compound semiconductor material and is provided with a diffusion region of first electrically-conductive type impurities in a selective region; a first insulating layer being in contact with the contact layer and stacked on the semiconductor layer, in which the first insulating layer has a first opening at a position facing the diffusion region; and a second insulating layer provided to be opposed to the contact layer with the first insulating layer interposed therebetween and having a second opening that communicates with the first opening and is smaller than the first opening.

A second electronic apparatus of the present disclosure includes the above-described semiconductor element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

In the imaging element, the semiconductor element, and the first and second electronic apparatuses according to respective embodiments of the present disclosure, the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer are stacked in this order of from side of the contact layer, and the second insulating layer is provided with the second opening that is smaller than the first opening (first insulating layer), thus making it easier to narrow an interval between neighboring second openings.

It is to be noted that the above-described content is an example of the present disclosure. The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to those described later, and may be other different effects or may further include other effects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic plan view of an outline configuration of an imaging element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a schematic view of a cross-sectional configuration along a line B-B′ of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 (A) of FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a configuration of a semiconductor layer and an insulating film illustrated in FIG. 1B, and (B) of FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view corresponding to (A) of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example (1) of a configuration of a second opening illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view for describing one step of a manufacturing method of the imaging element illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a step subsequent to FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a step subsequent to FIG. 4B.

FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a step subsequent to FIG. 4C.

FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a step subsequent to FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a step subsequent to FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a step subsequent to FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a schematic cross-sectional view of a step subsequent to FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a configuration of a main part of an imaging element according to a comparative example.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of an imaging apparatus (electronic apparatus) using the imaging element illustrated in FIG. 1A, etc.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram depicting an example of a schematic configuration of an in-vivo information acquisition system.

FIG. 10 is a view depicting an example of a schematic configuration of an endoscopic surgery system.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram depicting an example of a functional configuration of a camera head and a camera control unit (CCU).

FIG. 12 is a block diagram depicting an example of schematic configuration of a vehicle control system.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of assistance in explaining an example of installation positions of an outside-vehicle information detecting section and an imaging section.

FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another example (2) of the configuration of the second opening illustrated in FIG. 2.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, description is given in detail of an embodiment of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings. It is to be noted that the description is given in the following order.

1. Embodiment (An example of an imaging element including a first insulating layer and a second iknsulating layer)

2. Application Example (Example of Electronic Apparatus)

3. Practical Application Example 1 (Example of Practical Application to Endoscopic Surgery System)

4. Practical Application Example 2 (Example of Practical Application to Mobile Body)

Embodiment [Overall Configuration of Imaging Element 1]

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a schematic configuration of an imaging element (an imaging element 1) according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1A illustrates a planar configuration of the imaging element 1, and FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional configuration along a line B-B′ of FIG. 1A. The imaging element 1 is applied to, for example, an infrared sensor or the like using a compound semiconductor material such as a group III-V semiconductor, and has a photoelectric conversion function, for example, for light of a wavelength in a visible region (e.g., in a range equal to or more than 380 nm and less than 780 nm) to a short infrared region (e.g., in a range equal to or more than 780 nm and less than 2400 nm). The imaging element 1 is provided with a plurality of light-receiving unit regions P (pixels P) arranged two-dimensionally, for example (FIG. 1B). The imaging element 1 corresponds to a specific example of an imaging element and a semiconductor element of the present disclosure.

The imaging element 1 includes an element region R1 at a middle part and a peripheral region R2 provided outside the element region R1 and surrounding the element region R1 (FIG. 1A). The imaging element 1 includes an electrically-conductive film 15B provided to extend from the element region R1 to the peripheral region R2. The electrically-conductive film 15B has an opening in a region facing the middle part of the element region R1.

The imaging element 1 has a stacked structure of an element substrate 10 and a readout circuit substrate 20 (FIG. 1B). One surface of the element substrate 10 is a light incident surface (a light incident surface Si), and a surface (another surface) opposite to the light incident surface S1 is a bonded surface (a bonded surface S2) with respect to the readout circuit substrate 20.

The element substrate 10 includes a wiring layer 10W, a first electrode 11, a semiconductor layer 10S (a first semiconductor layer), a second electrode 15, and a passivation film 16 in this order from a position close to the readout circuit substrate 20. A surface of the semiconductor layer 10S opposed to the wiring layer 10W and an end surface (a side surface) of the semiconductor layer 10S are covered with an insulating film 17. The readout circuit substrate 20 is a so-called ROIC (Readout integrated circuit), and includes a wiring layer 20W in contact with the bonded surface S2 of the element substrate 10, a multilayer wiring layer 22C, and a semiconductor substrate 21 opposed to the element substrate 10 with the wiring layer 20W and the multilayer wiring layer 22C interposed therebetween. The first electrode 11 corresponds to a specific example of an “electrode” of the present disclosure.

The element substrate 10 includes the semiconductor layer 10S in the element region R1. In other words, a region provided with the semiconductor layer 10S is the element region R1 of the imaging element 1. A region, of the element region R1, exposed from the electrically-conductive film 15B (a region facing the opening of the electrically-conductive film 15B) is a light-receiving region. A region, of the element region R1, covered with the electrically-conductive film 15B is an OPB (Optical Black) region RIB. The OPB region R1B is provided to surround the light-receiving region. The OPB region R1B is used to obtain a black-level pixel signal. The element substrate 10 include an embedded layer 18 together with the insulating film 17 in the peripheral region R2. The peripheral region R2 is provided with holes H1 and H2 that penetrate the element substrate 10 to reach the readout circuit substrate 20. In the imaging element 1, light enters the semiconductor layer 10S from the light incident surface S1 of the element substrate 10, through the passivation film 16, the second electrode 15, and a second contact layer 14. Signal charges photoelectrically converted in the semiconductor layer 10S moves through the first electrode 11 and the wiring layer 10W, and are read by the readout circuit substrate 20. Hereinafter, description is given of configurations of the respective components.

The wiring layer 10W is provided across the element region R1 and the peripheral region R2, and includes the bonded surface S2 with respect to the readout circuit substrate 20. In the imaging element 1, the bonded surface S2 of the element substrate 10 is provided in the element region R1 and the peripheral region R2, and, for example, the bonded surface S2 in the element region R1 and the bonded surface S2 in the peripheral region R2 constitute the same plane. As described later, in the imaging element 1, providing the embedded layer 18 allows for formation of the bonded surface S2 in the peripheral region R2.

The wiring layer 10W includes, for example, a contact electrode 19E and a dummy electrode 19ED in interlayer insulating films 19A and 19B. For example, the interlayer insulating film 19B is disposed on side of the readout circuit substrate 20, and the interlayer insulating film 19A is disposed on side of a first contact layer 12; these interlayer insulating films 19A and 19B are provided to be stacked. The interlayer insulating films 19A and 19B are each constituted by, for example, an inorganic insulating material. Examples of the inorganic insulating material include silicon nitride (SiN), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), silicon oxide (SiO₂), and hafnium oxide (HfO₂). The interlayer insulating films 19A and 19B may be each constituted by the same inorganic insulating material.

The contact electrode 19E is provided in the element region R1, for example. The contact electrode 19E serves to electrically couple the first electrode 11 and the readout circuit substrate 20 to each other, and is provided for each pixel Pin the element region R1. Neighboring contact electrodes 19E are electrically separated from each other by the embedded layer 18 and the interlayer insulating films 19A and 19B. The contact electrode 19E is constituted by, for example, a copper (Cu) pad, and is exposed to the bonded surface S2. The dummy electrode 19ED is provided, for example, in the peripheral region R2. The dummy electrode 19ED is coupled to a dummy electrode 22ED of the wiring layer 20W described later. Providing the dummy electrode 19ED and the dummy electrode 22ED makes it possible to improve strength of the peripheral region R2. The dummy electrode 19ED is formed in the same step as that of the contact electrode 19E, for example. The dummy electrode 19ED is constituted by, for example, a copper (Cu) pad, and is exposed to the bonded surface S2.

The first electrode 11 provided between the contact electrode 19E and the semiconductor layer 10S is an electrode (anode) to be supplied with a voltage for reading signal charges (holes or electrons; hereinafter described on the assumption that the signal charge are holes, for the sake of convenience) generated in a photoelectric conversion layer 13, and is provided for each pixel P in the element region R1. The first electrode 11 is provided to fill openings of the insulating film 17 (a first opening 171M and a second opening 172M in FIG. 2 described later), and is in contact with the semiconductor layer 10S (more specifically, a diffusion region 12A described later). The first electrode 11 is larger than the opening (more specifically, the first opening 171M and the second opening 172M described later) of the insulating film 17, for example, and a portion of the first electrode 11 is provided in the embedded layer 18. That is, an upper surface of the first electrode 11 (a surface on side of the semiconductor layer 10S) is in contact with the diffusion region 12A, and a portion of a lower surface and a side surface of the first electrode 11 is in contact with the embedded layer 18. Neighboring first electrodes 11 are electrically separated from each other by the insulating film 17 and the embedded layer 18.

The first electrode 11 is constituted by, for example, a simple substance of any of titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), titanium nitride (TiN), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), germanium (Ge), palladium (Pd), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and aluminum (Al), or an alloy including at least one of these substances. The first electrode 11 may be a single film of such a constituent material, or may be a stacked film combining two or more thereof. For example, the first electrode 11 is constituted by a stacked film of titanium and tungsten. The first electrode 11 has a thickness of, for example, several dozen nm to several hundred nm.

The semiconductor layer 10S includes, for example, the first contact layer 12, the photoelectric conversion layer 13, and the second contact layer 14 from a position close to the wiring layer 10W. The first contact layer 12, the photoelectric conversion layer 13, and the second contact layer 14 have the same planar shape as each other, and respective end surfaces are disposed in the same position in a plan view. The first contact layer 12 corresponds to a specific example of a “contact layer” of the present disclosure.

The first contact layer 12 is provided in common to all of the pixels P, for example, and is disposed between the insulating film 17 and the photoelectric conversion layer 13. That is, the first contact layer 12 is a layer constituting a surface of the semiconductor layer 10S. The first contact layer 12 serves to electrically separate neighboring pixels P from each other, and the first contact layer 12 is provided with a plurality of diffusion regions 12A, for example. Using, as the first contact layer 12, a compound semiconductor material having a bandgap larger than a bandgap of a compound semiconductor material constituting the photoelectric conversion layer 13 makes it also possible to suppress a dark current. As the first contact layer 12, for example, n-type (second electrically-conductive type) InP (indium phosphide) may be used. As the first contact layer 12, for example, n-type Ga_(X1)In_((1-X1))P (provided that 0≤X1≤1) may be used. The first contact layer 12 may be constituted by an intrinsic (i-type) compound semiconductor material.

The diffusion regions 12A provided in the first contact layer 12 are spaced apart from each other. The diffusion region 12A is disposed for each pixel P, and the first electrode 11 is coupled to each diffusion region 12A. The diffusion region 12A is also provided in the OPB region R1B. The diffusion region 12A serves to read the signal charges generated in the photoelectric conversion layer 13 for each pixel P, and includes, for example, p-type (first electrically-conductive type) impurities. Examples of the p-type impurities include Zn (zinc). In this manner, a p-n junction interface is formed between the diffusion region 12A and the first contact layer 12 other than the diffusion region 12A, thus allowing the neighboring pixels P to be electrically separated from each other. The diffusion region 12A is provided, for example, in a thickness direction of the first contact layer 12, and is also provided in a portion of a thickness direction of the photoelectric conversion layer 13.

The photoelectric conversion layer 13 between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 15, more specifically, between the first contact layer 12 and the second contact layer 14 is provided in common to all of the pixels P, for example. The photoelectric conversion layer 13 absorbs light of a predetermined wavelength to generate signal charges, and is constituted by a compound semiconductor material such as an i-type group III-V semiconductor, for example. Examples of the compound semiconductor material constituting the photoelectric conversion layer 13 include InGaAs (indium gallium arsenide), InGaN (indium gallium nitride), InAlN (indium aluminum nitride), InAsSb (indium arsenide antimonide), InAs (indium arsenide), InSb (indium antimonide), and HgCdTe (mercury cadmium tellurium). The photoelectric conversion layer 13 may be constituted by Ge (germanium). The photoelectric conversion layer 13 performs photoelectric conversion of light of a wavelength in a visible region to a short infrared region, for example.

A layer (not illustrated) that performs lattice matching between the photoelectric conversion layer 13 and the first contact layer 12 may be provided therebetween. This layer may be constituted by, for example, AlGaAs, etc.

The second contact layer 14 is provided in common to all of the pixels P, for example. The second contact layer 14 is provided between the photoelectric conversion layer 13 and the second electrode 15, and is in contact with both of them. The second contact layer 14 is a region through which charges discharged from the second electrode 15 move, and is constituted by, for example, a compound semiconductor including n-type impurities. As the second contact layer 14, for example, n-type InP (indium phosphide) may be used. As the second contact layer 14, n-type Ga_(X2)In_((1-X2))P (provided that 0≤X2≤1) may be used. The second contact layer 14 may be constituted by an intrinsic (i-type) compound semiconductor material.

The second electrode 15 is provided, for example, as a common electrode to each of the pixels P, on the second contact layer 14 (light incident side) to be in contact with the second contact layer 14. The second electrode 15 serves to discharge charges that are not used as signal charges, of the charges generated in the photoelectric conversion layer 13 (cathode). For example, when holes are read as signal charges from the first electrode 11, for example, electrons may be discharged through the second electrode 15. The second electrode 15 is constituted by, for example, an electrically-conductive film that is able to transmit incident light such as infrared rays. As the second electrode 15, for example, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide), ITiO (In₂O₃—TiO₂), or the like may be used. The second electrode 15 may be provided in a lattice shape to partition neighboring pixels P, for example. As the second electrode 15, an electrically-conductive material having low light-transmissivity may be used.

The passivation film 16 covers the second electrode 15 from side of the light incident surface S1. The passivation film 16 may have an antireflection function. It may be possible to use, as the passivation film 16, for example, silicon nitride (SiN), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), silicon oxide (SiO₂), tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₃), or the like. The passivation film 16 has an opening 16H in the OPB region RIB. The opening 16H is provided in a frame shape surrounding the light-receiving region, for example (FIG. 1A). The opening 16H may be, for example, a hole having a quadrangular shape or a circular shape in a plan view. The opening 16H of the passivation film 16 allows the electrically-conductive film 15B to be electrically coupled to the second electrode 15.

The insulating film 17 is provided between the first contact layer 12 and the embedded layer 18, and covers the end surface of the first contact layer 12, the end surface of the photoelectric conversion layer 13, the end surface of the second contact layer 14, and the end surface of the second electrode 15; the insulating film 17 is in contact with the passivation film 16 in the peripheral region R2. The insulating film 17 has a stacked structure, and includes a first insulating layer 171 and a second insulating layer 172 from the side of the first contact layer 12. The first electrode 11 is embedded in the openings provided in the first insulating layer 171 and the second insulating layer 172 (the first opening 171M and the second opening 172M of FIG. 2 described later). Detailed configuration of the insulating film 17 is described later.

The electrically-conductive film 15B is provided to extend from the OPB region R1B to the hole H1 in the peripheral region R2. The electrically-conductive film 15B is in contact with the second electrode 15 at the opening 16H of the passivation film 16 provided in the OPB region RIB, and is in contact with a wiring line (a wiring line 22CB described later) of the readout circuit substrate 20 via the hole H1. This allows a voltage to be supplied from the readout circuit substrate 20 to the second electrode 15 via the electrically-conductive film 15B. The electrically-conductive film 15B functions as a voltage-supply path to the second electrode 15, and also has a function as a light-shielding film to form the OPB region RIB. The electrically-conductive film 15B is constituted by, for example, a metal material including tungsten (W), aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), molybdenum (Mo), tantalum (Ta), or copper (Cu). A passivation film may be provided on the electrically-conductive film 15B.

An adhesive layer B may be provided between an end of the second contact layer 14 and the second electrode 15. As described later, this adhesive layer B is used when forming the imaging element 1, and assumes a role of bonding the semiconductor layer 10S to a temporary substrate (a temporary substrate 33 in FIG. 4C described later). The adhesive layer B is constituted by, for example, tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), silicon oxide (SiO₂), or the like. The adhesive layer B is provided to have an increased width with respect to an end surface of the semiconductor layer 10S, for example, and is covered with the embedded layer 18 together with the semiconductor layer 10S. The insulating film 17 is provided between the adhesive layer B and the embedded layer 18.

The embedded layer 18 serves to fill a level difference between the temporary substrate (the temporary substrate 33 in FIG. 4C described later) and the semiconductor layer 10S in a manufacturing step of the imaging element 1. The formation of the embedded layer 18 suppresses occurrence of a defect in the manufacturing step due to the level difference between the semiconductor layer 10S and the temporary substrate 33.

The embedded layer 18 in the peripheral region R2 is provided between the wiring layer 10W and the insulating film 17 and between the wiring layer 10W and the passivation film 16, and has a thickness equal to or larger than a thickness of the semiconductor layer 10S, for example. Here, the embedded layer 18 is provided to surround the semiconductor layer 10S, and thus a region (peripheral region R2) around the semiconductor layer 10S is formed. This enables the bonded surface S2 with respect to the readout circuit substrate 20 to be provided in the peripheral region R2. When the bonded surface S2 is formed in the peripheral region R2, a thickness of the embedded layer 18 may be reduced; however, it is preferable that the embedded layer 18 cover the semiconductor layer 10S in a thickness direction and that the entire end surface of the semiconductor layer 10S be covered with the embedded layer 18. Covering the entire end surface of the semiconductor layer 10S with the embedded layer 18 with the insulating film 17 in between makes it possible to effectively suppress infiltration of moisture into the semiconductor layer 10S. The embedded layer 18 in the element region R1 is provided between the semiconductor layer 10S and the wiring layer 10W to cover the first electrode 11.

A surface of the embedded layer 18 on side of the bonded surface S2 is planarized, and the wiring layer 10W is provided on the planarized surface of the embedded layer 18 in the peripheral region R2. It may be possible to use, as the embedded layer 18, for example, an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide (SiOx), silicon nitride (SiN), silicon oxynitride (SiON), carbon-containing silicon oxide (SiOC), and silicon carbide (SiC).

Description is given here of an example in which the imaging element 1 includes the embedded layer 18; however, the imaging element 1 may not include the embedded layer 18, and the peripheral region R2 of the element substrate 10 may not include the bonded surface S2 with respect to the readout circuit substrate 20.

The embedded layer 18 is provided with the holes H1 and H2 that penetrate the embedded layer 18. The holes H1 and H2 penetrate the wiring layer 10W in addition to the embedded layer 18 to reach the readout circuit substrate 20. The holes H1 and H2 have a rectangular planar shape, for example, and respective pluralities of holes H1 and H2 are provided to surround the element region R1 (FIG. 1A). The hole H1 is provided at a position closer to the element region R1 than the hole H2, and a side wall and a bottom surface of the hole H1 are covered with the electrically-conductive film 15B. The hole H1 serves to couple the second electrode 15 (electrically-conductive film 15B) and a wiring line (a wiring line 22CB described later) of the readout circuit substrate 20 to each other, and is provided to penetrate the passivation film 16, the embedded layer 18, and the wiring layer 10W.

The hole H2 is provided at a position closer to a chip end E than the hole H1, for example. The hole H2 penetrates the passivation film 16, the embedded layer 18, and the wiring layer 10W to reach a pad electrode (a pad electrode 22P described later) of the readout circuit substrate 20. The hole H2 allows for electrical coupling between the outside and the imaging element 1. Neither the hole H1 nor the hole H2 may reach the readout circuit substrate 20. For example, the holes H1 and H2 may reach a wiring line of the wiring layer 10W, and the wiring line may be coupled to the wiring line 22CB and the pad electrode 22P of the readout circuit substrate 20.

Holes and electrons generated at the photoelectric conversion layer 13 are read from the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 15. In order to perform the reading operation at high speed, the distance between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 15 is preferably set to a distance that is enough for photoelectric conversion but is not too far. That is, it is preferable to reduce a thickness of the element substrate 10. For example, the distance between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 15 or the thickness of the element substrate 10 is 10 μm or less, further 7μm or less, and furthermore 5 μm or less.

The semiconductor substrate 21 of the readout circuit substrate 20 is opposed to the element substrate 10, with the wiring layer 20W and the multilayer wiring layer 22C interposed therebetween. The semiconductor substrate 21 is constituted by, for example, silicon (Si). A plurality of transistors is provided near a surface of the semiconductor substrate 21 (a surface on side of the wiring layer 20W). For example, the plurality of transistors is used to constitute a readout circuit (Read Out Circuit) for each pixel P. The wiring layer 20W includes, for example, an interlayer insulating film 22A and an interlayer insulating film 22B in this order from side of the element substrate 10, and these interlayer insulating films 22A and 22B are provided to be stacked. For example, a contact electrode 22E and the dummy electrode 22ED are provided in the interlayer insulating film 22A. The multilayer wiring layer 22C is provided to be opposed to the element substrate 10 with the wiring layer 20W interposed therebetween. For example, the pad electrode 22P and a plurality of wiring lines 22CB are provided in the multilayer wiring layer 22C. The interlayer insulating films 22A and 22B are each constituted by, for example, an inorganic insulating material. Examples of the inorganic insulating material include silicon nitride (SiN), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃ ), silicon oxide (SiO₂ ), and hafnium oxide (HfO₂).

The contact electrodes 22E serves to electrically couple the first electrode 11 and the wiring line 22CB to each other, and is provided for each pixel P in the element region R1. The contact electrode 22E is in contact with the contact electrode 19E at the bonded surface S2 of the element substrate 10. Neighboring contact electrodes 22E are electrically separated from each other by the interlayer insulating film 22A.

The dummy electrode 22ED provided in the peripheral region R2 is in contact with the dummy electrode 19ED at the bonded surface S2 of the element substrate 10. The dummy electrode 22ED is formed in the same step as that of the contact electrode 22E, for example. The contact electrode 22E and the dummy electrode 22ED are each constituted by, for example, a copper (Cu) pad, and are exposed to a surface, of the readout circuit substrate 20, facing the element substrate 10. That is, for example, Cu—Cu bonding is established between the contact electrode 19E and the contact electrode 22E and between the dummy electrode 19ED and the dummy electrode 22ED. This enables miniaturization of the pixel P, although detailed description is given later.

The wiring line 22CB coupled to the contact electrode 19E is coupled to a transistor provided near the surface of the semiconductor substrate 21, thus allowing the first electrode 11 and a readout circuit to be coupled to each other for each pixel P. The wiring line 22CB coupled to the electrically-conductive film 15B via the hole H1 is coupled to a predetermined potential, for example. In this manner, one (e.g., holes) of the charges generated in the photoelectric conversion layer 13 are read by the reading circuit from the first electrode 11 via the contact electrodes 19E and 22E. The other (e.g., electrons) of the charges generated in the photoelectric conversion layer 13 are discharged to a predetermined potential from the second electrode 15 via the electrically-conductive film 15B.

The pad electrode 22P provided in the peripheral region R2 serves to allow for electrical coupling to the outside. The hole H2 that penetrates the element substrate 10 to reach the pad electrode 22P is provided near the chip end E of the imaging element 1, and the hole H2 allows for electrical coupling to the outside. The coupling is established by a method such as wire bonding or bump, for example. For example, a predetermined potential may be supplied to the second electrode 15 from an external terminal disposed in the hole H2 via the wiring line 22CB of the hole H2 readout circuit substrate 20 and the electrically-conductive film 15B. As a result of the photoelectric conversion in the photoelectric conversion layer 13, a signal voltage read from the first electrode 11 may be read by the readout circuit of the semiconductor substrate 21 via the contact electrodes 19E and 22E, and the signal voltage may be outputted to the external terminal disposed in the hole H2 via the readout circuit. The signal voltage may be outputted to the external terminal via other circuits, in addition to the readout circuit, included in the readout circuit substrate 20, for example. Other circuits refer to a signal processing circuit, an output circuit, and the like, for example.

A thickness of the readout circuit substrate 20 is preferably larger than the thickness of the element substrate 10. For example, the thickness of the readout circuit substrate 20 is preferably two times or more larger than the thickness of the element substrate 10, more preferably five times or more, and still more preferably ten times or more. Alternatively, the thickness of the readout circuit substrate 20 is, for example, 100 μm or more, 150 μm or more, or 200 μm or more. The readout circuit substrate 20 having such a large thickness ensures machine strength of the imaging element 1. It is to be noted that the readout circuit substrate 20 either may include only one layer of the semiconductor substrate 21 forming the circuit, or may further include a substrate such as a support substrate, in addition to the semiconductor substrate 21 forming the circuit.

[Configuration of Insulating Layer 17]

(A) of FIG. 2 illustrates cross-sectional configurations of the semiconductor layer 10S and the insulating layer 17 of a region corresponding to one pixel P, and (B) of FIG. 2 illustrates planar configurations of the semiconductor layer 10S and the insulating layer 17. Hereinafter, description is given, with reference to (A) and (B) of FIG. 2, of a detailed configuration of the insulating layer 17. (A) of FIG. 2 is an inverse illustration of FIG. 1B in the vertical direction (a Z-axis direction).

For example, the insulating layer 171 opposed to the photoelectric conversion layer 13 with the first contact layer 12 in between is in contact with the first contact layer 12 and the second insulating layer 172. The first insulating layer 171 is provided with the first opening 171M at a position facing the diffusion region 12A. The first opening 171M has, for example, a substantially circular planar (X-Y plane in (B) of FIG. 2) shape, and is provided for each pixel P. The diffusion region 12A is provided to be spread from a region facing the first opening 171M toward the outside of the first opening 171M. The first opening 171M has, for example, a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. A short side of the rectangle (side in the Z-axis direction in (A) of FIG. 2) may be curved.

The first opening 171M is formed by chemical etching, for example. The chemical etching may be, for example, wet etching, radical etching, or the like. Providing the first opening 171M formed by such chemical etching in the first insulating layer 171 between the first contact layer 12 and the second insulating layer 172 makes it possible to suppress deterioration near a surface of the first contact layer 12 (a surface on side of the first insulating layer 171) due to anisotropic etching, although detailed description is given later.

The first insulating layer 171 is constituted by a chemically etchable material, and includes, for example, aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃ ), silicon nitride (SiN), hafnium oxide (Hf₂O), silicon oxide (SiO₂ ), silicon oxynitride (SiON), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS: Tetra Ethyl Ortho Silicate), lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃), or the like.

For example, the second insulating layer 172 opposed to the first contact layer 12 with the first insulating layer 171 interposed therebetween is in contact with the first insulating layer 171 and the first contact layer 12. The second insulating layer 172 is provided with the second opening 172M communicating with the first opening 171M of the first insulating layer 171. The second opening 172M has, for example, a substantially circular planar (X-Y plane in (B) of FIG. 2) shape, and is provided for each pixel P. A size of the planar shape of the second opening 172M is defined in accordance with the arrangement of the first electrode 11 (size of the pixel P). In the present embodiment, the planar shape of the second opening 172M is smaller than a planar shape of the first opening 171M. This makes it easier to narrow an interspace between neighboring second openings 172M, thus making it possible to facilitate miniaturization of the pixel P, although detailed description is given later.

The second opening 172M is disposed at a position overlapping the first opening 171M, for example, in a plan view (X-Y plane in (B) of FIG. 2). A diameter of the second opening 172M is smaller than a diameter of the first opening 171M. For example, the second opening 172M is disposed inside the first opening 171M in a plan view.

The second opening 172M is formed using, for example, anisotropic etching. The formation of the second opening 172M using anisotropic etching enables easy formation of the second opening 172M under the condition of relatively high etch selectivity.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example of the cross-sectional shape of the second opening 172M. The second opening 172M may have, for example, a tapered shape. For example, the second opening 172M tapers as being away from the first insulating layer 171. It is to be noted that the size of the second opening 172 refers to a size of the second opening 172M at a surface on side of the first electrode 11 (an upper surface on the sheet of FIG. 3).

The second insulating layer 172 is constituted by an anisotropically etchable material, and is preferably constituted by a material that is anisotropically etched more easily than a constituent material of the first insulating layer 171 under the condition of a predetermined anisotropic etching. That is, the constituent material of the second insulating layer 172 is preferably different from the constituent material of the first insulating layer 171. For example, the second insulating layer 172 includes tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), etc.

[Manufacturing Method of Imaging Element 1]

The imaging element 1 may be manufactured, for example, as follows. FIGS. 4A to 6C illustrate manufacturing steps of the imaging element 1 in the order of steps.

First, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the semiconductor layer 10S is epitaxially grown on a growth substrate 31 including InP, for example. The growth substrate 31 has a thickness of several hundred μm, for example, and the semiconductor layer 10S has a thickness of several μm, for example. Thereafter, the adhesive layer B is formed, as a film, on the semiconductor layer 105, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. The growth substrate 31 has a bore of six inches or less, for example. The formation of the semiconductor layer 10S is performed, for example, by epitaxially growing n-type InP constituting the first contact layer 12, i-type InGaAs constituting the photoelectric conversion layer 13, and n-type InP constituting the second contact layer 14 in this order. For example, a buffer layer and a stopper layer may be formed on the growth substrate 31, and thereafter the semiconductor layer 10S may be formed.

Next, as illustrated in FIG. 4C, the growth substrate 31 on which the semiconductor layer 10S is formed is bonded to the temporary substrate 33 with the adhesive layer B interposed therebetween. The temporary substrate 33 includes, for example, an insulating layer (an insulating layer 33IA), and a substrate 33S. The insulating layer 33IA is disposed, for example, between the adhesive layer B and the substrate 33S. As the temporary substrate 33, a substrate is used which has a larger bore than that of the growth substrate 31; as the substrate 33S, for example, a silicon (Si) substrate is used. The temporary substrate 33 has a bore of, for example, eight inches to twelve inches. Bonding the growth substrate 31 of a small bore to the temporary substrate 33 of a large bore enables use of various devices for a substrate of a large bore when forming the element substrate 10. This allows for Cu—Cu bonding as the bonding between the readout circuit substrate 20 and the element substrate 10, for example, thus making it possible to miniaturize the pixel P. The bonding of the growth substrate 31 to the temporary substrate 33 may be performed by plasma-activated bonding, normal temperature bonding, bonding using an adhesive (adhesive bonding), or the like. In this manner, for example, a wafer-shaped semiconductor layer 10S is bonded to the temporary substrate 33. The temporary substrate 33 has a thickness of several hundred μm, for example.

After bonding the growth substrate 31 on which the semiconductor layer 10S is formed to the temporary substrate 33, the growth substrate 31 is removed as illustrated in FIG. 5A. The removal of the growth substrate 31 may be performed by mechanical grinding, CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing: chemical mechanical polishing), wet etching, dry etching, or the like. At this time, a portion of the growth substrate 31 may remain. In addition, the semiconductor layer 10S may be partially etched.

Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, for example, the semiconductor layer 10S is etched to a predetermined size in accordance with marking of the temporary substrate 33. This allows for formation of semiconductor layers 10S in a state of a plurality of chips. FIG. 5B illustrates two semiconductor layers 10S among the semiconductor layers 10S in the state of a plurality of chips.

After the formation of the semiconductor layer 10S, the first insulating layer 171 and the second insulating layer 172 are formed, as films, in this order on the semiconductor layer 10S (first contact layer 12) as illustrated in FIG. 6A. It is to be noted that FIGS. 6A to 6C each illustrate a region of one semiconductor layer 10S, corresponding to one pixel P, with illustration of the temporary substrate 33 and the adhesive layer B being omitted. For example, the first insulating layer 171 and the second insulating layer 172 are formed, as films, to cover the upper surface and the side surface of the semiconductor layer 10S in a state of one chip.

After the formation, as a film, of the second insulating layer 172, the second opening 172M is formed in the second insulating layer 172 using anisotropic etching as illustrated in FIG. 6B. Under the condition of the anisotropic etching, the first insulating layer 171 is hard to be etched. The use of the anisotropic etching enables easy formation of the second opening 172M under the condition of relatively high etch selectivity.

After the formation of the second opening 172M, the first opening 171M larger than the second opening 172M is formed in the first insulating layer 171 as illustrated in FIG. 6C. The first opening 171M is formed by chemically etching the first insulating layer 171 through the second opening 172M. Here, the first opening 171M is formed using chemical etching in the first insulating layer 171 closer to the first contact layer 12 than the second insulating layer 172, thus making it possible to suppress deterioration of the first contact layer 12 due to anisotropic etching.

After the formation of the first opening 171M, the diffusion region 12A is formed in the first contact layer 12. The diffusion region 12A is formed, for example, by vapor-phase diffusion of p-type impurities through the first opening 171M. This allows for formation of the diffusion region 12A in a selective region of the first contact layer 12. A diffusion depth is, for example, several hundred nm, and substantially isotropic diffusion is performed.

After providing the diffusion region 12A in the semiconductor layer 10S, the first electrode 11 is formed on the second insulating layer 172. For example, a stacked film of titanium (Ti)/tungsten (W) is formed in the second opening 172M, provided in the second insulating layer 172, by means of a CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) method, a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) method, an ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) method, a vapor deposition method, or the like, and thereafter the stacked film is patterned using photolithography and etching, to thereby form the first electrode 11. Here, the second opening 172M, which is relatively small, is formed using anisotropic etching, thus making it possible to narrow an interval between neighboring first electrodes 11.

After the formation of the first electrode 11, the embedded layer 18, the wiring layer lOW and the readout circuit substrate 20 are formed in this order. Subsequently, the temporary substrate 33 and the adhesive layer B are removed. Next, the second electrode 15 and the passivation film 16 are formed in this order on the second contact layer 14. Thereafter, the hole H1 and the electrically-conductive film 15B are formed. This allows the second electrode 15 and the readout circuit substrate 20 to be electrically coupled to each other.

Finally, the hole H2 is formed, which penetrates the element substrate 10 to reach the pad electrode 22P of the readout circuit substrate 20. This completes the imaging element 1 illustrated in FIGs. lA and 1B.

[Operation of Imaging Element 1]

In the imaging element 1, when light (e.g., light of wavelengths in a visible region and an infrared region) enters the photoelectric conversion layer 13 via the passivation film 16, the second electrode 15, and the second contact layer 14, the light is absorbed in the photoelectric conversion layer 13. This generates pairs of holes (holes) and of electrons (photoelectrical conversion is performed) in the photoelectric conversion layer 13. At this time, for example, when a predetermined voltage is applied to the first electrode 11, a potential gradient occurs in the photoelectric conversion layer 13, and one (e.g., holes) of generated charges move as signal charges to the diffusion region 12A to be collected to the first electrode 11 from the diffusion region 12A. The signal charges move to the semiconductor substrate 21 through the contact electrodes 19E and 22E to be read for each pixel P.

[Workings and Effects of Imaging Element 1]

In the imaging element 1 of the present embodiment, the insulating film 17 has a stacked structure of the first insulating layer 171 and the second insulating layer 172 in this order from the side of the first contact layer 12. The second insulating layer 172 farther from the contact layer 12 is provided with the second opening 172M that is smaller than the first opening 171M of the first insulating layer 171. This allows for easy adjustment of the interval between the neighboring second openings 172M, thus making it possible to facilitate miniaturization of the pixel P, for example. Hereinafter, description is given of the workings and effects referring to a comparative example.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional configuration of a main part of an imaging element (an imaging element 100) according to the comparative example. FIG. 7 illustrates the semiconductor layer 10S and an insulating film 117 of a part corresponding to one pixel. The imaging element 100 includes the insulating film 117 on the first contact layer 12. The insulating film 117 is provided with an opening (an opening 117M) having a predetermined size from an upper surface to a lower surface. The first contact layer 12 is provided with the diffusion region 12A to be spread from the opening 117M in a plan view (X-Y plane in FIG. 7). For example, an electrode (see the first electrode 11 in FIG. 1B) is embedded in the opening 117M. The opening 117M is formed by chemical etching, for example. This makes it difficult to form a small opening 117M for each pixel.

The miniaturization of pixel involves necessity of formation of the small opening 117M. For example, formation of the opening 117M using anisotropic etching enables the opening 117M to be smaller. However, there is a possibility that the surface of the first contact layer 12 may be deteriorated due to anisotropic etching when the insulating film 117 in contact with the first contact layer 12 is subjected to the anisotropic etching. For example, an altered layer due to the anisotropic etching is formed on the surface of the first contact layer 12. The altered layer inhibits diffusion of impurities at the time when the diffusion region 12A is formed. This makes a dark current more likely to be generated near the diffusion region 12A, thus causing a noise to be generated. In addition, due to the anisotropic etching, phosphorus (P) is more likely to escape from the first contact layer 12. Further, it is difficult for the first contact layer 12, which is susceptible to such anisotropic etching, to have reduced thickness.

Meanwhile, in the imaging element 1, the insulating film 17 has a stacked structure of the first insulating layer 171 and the second insulating layer 172. This makes it possible to form the first opening 171M of the first insulating layer 171 to be small using anisotropic etching and to form the second opening 172M of the second insulating layer 172 in contact with the first contact layer 12 by chemical etching.

It is possible to easily reduce the size of the first opening 171M formed using the anisotropic etching to match the design (pitch) of the first electrode 11, for example. Thus, it is possible to facilitate miniaturization of the pixel P. In addition, the second opening 172M having a large influence on the first contact layer 12 is formed using chemical etching, thus making it possible to suppress the deterioration of the first contact layer 12 due to the anisotropic etching. This makes it possible to suppress the generation of a dark current and thus to reduce a noise. In addition, it is possible to suppress the escape of phosphorus (P) from the first contact layer 12. Further, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the first contact layer 12.

As described above, in the imaging element 1 of the present embodiment, providing the second insulating layer 172 with the second opening 172M that is smaller than the first opening 171M allows for easy adjustment of the interval between the neighboring second openings 172M. This makes it possible to enhance a degree of freedom of design and thus to facilitate miniaturization of the pixel P, for example.

APPLICATION EXAMPLE

The above-described imaging element is applicable to various types of electronic apparatuses (imaging apparatuses) such as a camera that is able to capture an image of an infrared region, for example. FIG. 8 illustrates an outline configuration of an electronic apparatus 2 (camera) as an example thereof. This electronic apparatus 3 is, for example, a camera that is able to photograph a still image or shoot a moving image. The electronic apparatus 3 includes, for example, the imaging element 1, an optical system (optical lens) 310, a shutter device 311, a drive section 313 that drives the imaging element 1 and the shutter device 311, and a signal processing section 312.

The optical system 310 guides image light (incident light) from a subject to the imaging element 1 in the imaging element 1. The optical system 310 may be constituted by a plurality of optical lenses. The shutter device 311 controls periods of light irradiation and light shielding with respect to the imaging element 1. The drive section 313 controls a transfer operation of the imaging element 1 and a shutter operation of the shutter device 311. The signal processing section 312 performs various types of signal processing on a signal outputted from the imaging element 4. An image signal Dout after the signal processing is stored in a storage medium such as a memory, or outputted to a monitor, etc.

<Example of Practical Application to In-Vivo Information Acquisition System>

Further, the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (present technology) is applicable to various products. For example, the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to an endoscopic surgery system.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram depicting an example of a schematic configuration of an in-vivo information acquisition system of a patient using a capsule type endoscope, to which the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (present technology) can be applied.

The in-vivo information acquisition system 10001 includes the capsule type endoscope 10100 and an external controlling apparatus 10200.

The capsule type endoscope 10100 is swallowed by a patient at the time of inspection. The capsule type endoscope 10100 has an image pickup function and a wireless communication function and successively picks up an image of the inside of an organ such as the stomach or an intestine (hereinafter referred to as in-vivo image) at predetermined intervals while it moves inside of the organ by peristaltic motion for a period of time until it is naturally discharged from the patient. Then, the capsule type endoscope 10100 successively transmits information of the in-vivo image to the external controlling apparatus 10200 outside the body by wireless transmission.

The external controlling apparatus 10200 integrally controls operation of the in-vivo information acquisition system 10001. Further, the external controlling apparatus 10200 receives information of an in-vivo image transmitted thereto from the capsule type endoscope 10100 and generates image data for displaying the in-vivo image on a display apparatus (not depicted) on the basis of the received information of the in-vivo image.

In the in-vivo information acquisition system 10001, an in-vivo image imaged a state of the inside of the body of a patient can be acquired at any time in this manner for a period of time until the capsule type endoscope 10100 is discharged after it is swallowed.

A configuration and functions of the capsule type endoscope 10100 and the external controlling apparatus 10200 are described in more detail below.

The capsule type endoscope 10100 includes a housing 10101 of the capsule type, in which a light source unit 10111, an image pickup unit 10112, an image processing unit 10113, a wireless communication unit 10114, a power feeding unit 10115, a power supply unit 10116 and a control unit 10117 are accommodated.

The light source unit 10111 includes a light source such as, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) and irradiates light on an image pickup field-of-view of the image pickup unit 10112.

The image pickup unit 10112 includes an image pickup element and an optical system including a plurality of lenses provided at a preceding stage to the image pickup element. Reflected light (hereinafter referred to as observation light) of light irradiated on a body tissue which is an observation target is condensed by the optical system and introduced into the image pickup element. In the image pickup unit 10112, the incident observation light is photoelectrically converted by the image pickup element, by which an image signal corresponding to the observation light is generated. The image signal generated by the image pickup unit 10112 is provided to the image processing unit 10113.

The image processing unit 10113 includes a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU) and performs various signal processes for an image signal generated by the image pickup unit 10112. The image processing unit 10113 provides the image signal for which the signal processes have been performed thereby as RAW data to the wireless communication unit 10114.

The wireless communication unit 10114 performs a predetermined process such as a modulation process for the image signal for which the signal processes have been performed by the image processing unit 10113 and transmits the resulting image signal to the external controlling apparatus 10200 through an antenna 10114A. Further, the wireless communication unit 10114 receives a control signal relating to driving control of the capsule type endoscope 10100 from the external controlling apparatus 10200 through the antenna 10114A. The wireless communication unit 10114 provides the control signal received from the external controlling apparatus 10200 to the control unit 10117.

The power feeding unit 10115 includes an antenna coil for power reception, a power regeneration circuit for regenerating electric power from current generated in the antenna coil, a voltage booster circuit and so forth. The power feeding unit 10115 generates electric power using the principle of non-contact charging.

The power supply unit 10116 includes a secondary battery and stores electric power generated by the power feeding unit 10115. In FIG. 9, in order to avoid complicated illustration, an arrow mark indicative of a supply destination of electric power from the power supply unit 10116 and so forth are omitted. However, electric power stored in the power supply unit 10116 is supplied to and can be used to drive the light source unit 10111, the image pickup unit 10112, the image processing unit 10113, the wireless communication unit 10114 and the control unit 10117.

The control unit 10117 includes a processor such as a CPU and suitably controls driving of the light source unit 10111, the image pickup unit 10112, the image processing unit 10113, the wireless communication unit 10114 and the power feeding unit 10115 in accordance with a control signal transmitted thereto from the external controlling apparatus 10200.

The external controlling apparatus 10200 includes a processor such as a CPU or a GPU, a microcomputer, a control board or the like in which a processor and a storage element such as a memory are mixedly incorporated. The external controlling apparatus 10200 transmits a control signal to the control unit 10117 of the capsule type endoscope 10100 through an antenna 10200A to control operation of the capsule type endoscope 10100. In the capsule type endoscope 10100, an irradiation condition of light upon an observation target of the light source unit 10111 can be changed, for example, in accordance with a control signal from the external controlling apparatus 10200. Further, an image pickup condition (for example, a frame rate, an exposure value or the like of the image pickup unit 10112) can be changed in accordance with a control signal from the external controlling apparatus 10200. Further, the substance of processing by the image processing unit 10113 or a condition for transmitting an image signal from the wireless communication unit 10114 (for example, a transmission interval, a transmission image number or the like) may be changed in accordance with a control signal from the external controlling apparatus 10200.

Further, the external controlling apparatus 10200 performs various image processes for an image signal transmitted thereto from the capsule type endoscope 10100 to generate image data for displaying a picked up in-vivo image on the display apparatus. As the image processes, various signal processes can be performed such as, for example, a development process (demosaic process), an image quality improving process (bandwidth enhancement process, a super-resolution process, a noise reduction (NR) process and/or image stabilization process) and/or an enlargement process (electronic zooming process). The external controlling apparatus 10200 controls driving of the display apparatus to cause the display apparatus to display a picked up in-vivo image on the basis of generated image data. Alternatively, the external controlling apparatus 10200 may also control a recording apparatus (not depicted) to record generated image data or control a printing apparatus (not depicted) to output generated image data by printing.

The description has been given above of one example of the in-vivo information acquisition system, to which the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable. The technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable to, for example, the image pickup unit 10112 of the configurations described above. This makes it possible to improve detection accuracy.

<Example of Practical Application to Endoscopic Surgery System>

The technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (present technology) is applicable to various products. For example, the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to an endoscopic surgery system.

FIG. 10 is a view depicting an example of a schematic configuration of an endoscopic surgery system to which the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (present technology) can be applied.

In FIG. 10, a state is illustrated in which a surgeon (medical doctor) 11131 is using an endoscopic surgery system 11000 to perform surgery for a patient 11132 on a patient bed 11133. As depicted, the endoscopic surgery system 11000 includes an endoscope 11100, other surgical tools 11110 such as a pneumoperitoneum tube 11111 and an energy device 11112, a supporting arm apparatus 11120 which supports the endoscope 11100 thereon, and a cart 11200 on which various apparatus for endoscopic surgery are mounted.

The endoscope 11100 includes a lens barrel 11101 having a region of a predetermined length from a distal end thereof to be inserted into a body cavity of the patient 11132, and a camera head 11102 connected to a proximal end of the lens barrel 11101. In the example depicted, the endoscope 11100 is depicted which includes as a rigid endoscope having the lens barrel 11101 of the hard type. However, the endoscope 11100 may otherwise be included as a flexible endoscope having the lens barrel 11101 of the flexible type.

The lens barrel 11101 has, at a distal end thereof, an opening in which an objective lens is fitted. A light source apparatus 11203 is connected to the endoscope 11100 such that light generated by the light source apparatus 11203 is introduced to a distal end of the lens barrel 11101 by a light guide extending in the inside of the lens barrel 11101 and is irradiated toward an observation target in a body cavity of the patient 11132 through the objective lens. It is to be noted that the endoscope 11100 may be a forward-viewing endoscope or may be an oblique-viewing endoscope or a side-viewing endoscope.

An optical system and an image pickup element are provided in the inside of the camera head 11102 such that reflected light (observation light) from the observation target is condensed on the image pickup element by the optical system. The observation light is photo-electrically converted by the image pickup element to generate an electric signal corresponding to the observation light, namely, an image signal corresponding to an observation image. The image signal is transmitted as RAW data to a CCU 11201.

The CCU 11201 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) or the like and integrally controls operation of the endoscope 11100 and a display apparatus 11202. Further, the CCU 11201 receives an image signal from the camera head 11102 and performs, for the image signal, various image processes for displaying an image based on the image signal such as, for example, a development process (demosaic process).

The display apparatus 11202 displays thereon an image based on an image signal, for which the image processes have been performed by the CCU 11201, under the control of the CCU 11201.

The light source apparatus 11203 includes a light source such as, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) and supplies irradiation light upon imaging of a surgical region to the endoscope 11100.

An inputting apparatus 11204 is an input interface for the endoscopic surgery system 11000. A user can perform inputting of various kinds of information or instruction inputting to the endoscopic surgery system 11000 through the inputting apparatus 11204. For example, the user would input an instruction or a like to change an image pickup condition (type of irradiation light, magnification, focal distance or the like) by the endoscope 11100.

A treatment tool controlling apparatus 11205 controls driving of the energy device 11112 for cautery or incision of a tissue, sealing of a blood vessel or the like. A pneumoperitoneum apparatus 11206 feeds gas into a body cavity of the patient 11132 through the pneumoperitoneum tube 11111 to inflate the body cavity in order to secure the field of view of the endoscope 11100 and secure the working space for the surgeon. A recorder 11207 is an apparatus capable of recording various kinds of information relating to surgery. A printer 11208 is an apparatus capable of printing various kinds of information relating to surgery in various forms such as a text, an image or a graph.

It is to be noted that the light source apparatus 11203 which supplies irradiation light when a surgical region is to be imaged to the endoscope 11100 may include a white light source which includes, for example, an LED, a laser light source or a combination of them. Where a white light source includes a combination of red, green, and blue (RGB) laser light sources, since the output intensity and the output timing can be controlled with a high degree of accuracy for each color (each wavelength), adjustment of the white balance of a picked up image can be performed by the light source apparatus 11203. Further, in this case, if laser beams from the respective RGB laser light sources are irradiated time-divisionally on an observation target and driving of the image pickup elements of the camera head 11102 are controlled in synchronism with the irradiation timings. Then images individually corresponding to the R, G and B colors can be also picked up time-divisionally. According to this method, a color image can be obtained even if color filters are not provided for the image pickup element.

Further, the light source apparatus 11203 may be controlled such that the intensity of light to be outputted is changed for each predetermined time. By controlling driving of the image pickup element of the camera head 11102 in synchronism with the timing of the change of the intensity of light to acquire images time-divisionally and synthesizing the images, an image of a high dynamic range free from underexposed blocked up shadows and overexposed highlights can be created.

Further, the light source apparatus 11203 may be configured to supply light of a predetermined wavelength band ready for special light observation. In special light observation, for example, by utilizing the wavelength dependency of absorption of light in a body tissue to irradiate light of a narrow band in comparison with irradiation light upon ordinary observation (namely, white light), narrow band observation (narrow band imaging) of imaging a predetermined tissue such as a blood vessel of a superficial portion of the mucous membrane or the like in a high contrast is performed. Alternatively, in special light observation, fluorescent observation for obtaining an image from fluorescent light generated by irradiation of excitation light may be performed. In fluorescent observation, it is possible to perform observation of fluorescent light from a body tissue by irradiating excitation light on the body tissue (autofluorescence observation) or to obtain a fluorescent light image by locally injecting a reagent such as indocyanine green (ICG) into a body tissue and irradiating excitation light corresponding to a fluorescent light wavelength of the reagent upon the body tissue. The light source apparatus 11203 can be configured to supply such narrow-band light and/or excitation light suitable for special light observation as described above.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram depicting an example of a functional configuration of the camera head 11102 and the CCU 11201 depicted in FIG. 10.

The camera head 11102 includes a lens unit 11401, an image pickup unit 11402, a driving unit 11403, a communication unit 11404 and a camera head controlling unit 11405. The CCU 11201 includes a communication unit 11411, an image processing unit 11412 and a control unit 11413. The camera head 11102 and the CCU 11201 are connected for communication to each other by a transmission cable 11400.

The lens unit 11401 is an optical system, provided at a connecting location to the lens barrel 11101. Observation light taken in from a distal end of the lens barrel 11101 is guided to the camera head 11102 and introduced into the lens unit 11401. The lens unit 11401 includes a combination of a plurality of lenses including a zoom lens and a focusing lens.

The number of image pickup elements which is included by the image pickup unit 11402 may be one (single-plate type) or a plural number (multi-plate type). Where the image pickup unit 11402 is configured as that of the multi-plate type, for example, image signals corresponding to respective R, G and B are generated by the image pickup elements, and the image signals may be synthesized to obtain a color image. The image pickup unit 11402 may also be configured so as to have a pair of image pickup elements for acquiring respective image signals for the right eye and the left eye ready for three dimensional (3D) display. If 3D display is performed, then the depth of a living body tissue in a surgical region can be comprehended more accurately by the surgeon 11131. It is to be noted that, where the image pickup unit 11402 is configured as that of stereoscopic type, a plurality of systems of lens units 11401 are provided corresponding to the individual image pickup elements.

Further, the image pickup unit 11402 may not necessarily be provided on the camera head 11102. For example, the image pickup unit 11402 may be provided immediately behind the objective lens in the inside of the lens barrel 11101.

The driving unit 11403 includes an actuator and moves the zoom lens and the focusing lens of the lens unit 11401 by a predetermined distance along an optical axis under the control of the camera head controlling unit 11405. Consequently, the magnification and the focal point of a picked up image by the image pickup unit 11402 can be adjusted suitably.

The communication unit 11404 includes a communication apparatus for transmitting and receiving various kinds of information to and from the CCU 11201. The communication unit 11404 transmits an image signal acquired from the image pickup unit 11402 as RAW data to the CCU 11201 through the transmission cable 11400.

In addition, the communication unit 11404 receives a control signal for controlling driving of the camera head 11102 from the CCU 11201 and supplies the control signal to the camera head controlling unit 11405. The control signal includes information relating to image pickup conditions such as, for example, information that a frame rate of a picked up image is designated, information that an exposure value upon image picking up is designated and/or information that a magnification and a focal point of a picked up image are designated.

It is to be noted that the image pickup conditions such as the frame rate, exposure value, magnification or focal point may be designated by the user or may be set automatically by the control unit 11413 of the CCU 11201 on the basis of an acquired image signal. In the latter case, an auto exposure (AE) function, an auto focus (AF) function and an auto white balance (AWB) function are incorporated in the endoscope 11100.

The camera head controlling unit 11405 controls driving of the camera head 11102 on the basis of a control signal from the CCU 11201 received through the communication unit 11404.

The communication unit 11411 includes a communication apparatus for transmitting and receiving various kinds of information to and from the camera head 11102. The communication unit 11411 receives an image signal transmitted thereto from the camera head 11102 through the transmission cable 11400.

Further, the communication unit 11411 transmits a control signal for controlling driving of the camera head 11102 to the camera head 11102. The image signal and the control signal can be transmitted by electrical communication, optical communication or the like.

The image processing unit 11412 performs various image processes for an image signal in the form of RAW data transmitted thereto from the camera head 11102.

The control unit 11413 performs various kinds of control relating to image picking up of a surgical region or the like by the endoscope 11100 and display of a picked up image obtained by image picking up of the surgical region or the like. For example, the control unit 11413 creates a control signal for controlling driving of the camera head 11102.

Further, the control unit 11413 controls, on the basis of an image signal for which image processes have been performed by the image processing unit 11412, the display apparatus 11202 to display a picked up image in which the surgical region or the like is imaged. Thereupon, the control unit 11413 may recognize various objects in the picked up image using various image recognition technologies. For example, the control unit 11413 can recognize a surgical tool such as forceps, a particular living body region, bleeding, mist when the energy device 11112 is used and so forth by detecting the shape, color and so forth of edges of objects included in a picked up image. The control unit 11413 may cause, when it controls the display apparatus 11202 to display a picked up image, various kinds of surgery supporting information to be displayed in an overlapping manner with an image of the surgical region using a result of the recognition. Where surgery supporting information is displayed in an overlapping manner and presented to the surgeon 11131, the burden on the surgeon 11131 can be reduced and the surgeon 11131 can proceed with the surgery with certainty.

The transmission cable 11400 which connects the camera head 11102 and the CCU 11201 to each other is an electric signal cable ready for communication of an electric signal, an optical fiber ready for optical communication or a composite cable ready for both of electrical and optical communications.

Here, while, in the example depicted, communication is performed by wired communication using the transmission cable 11400, the communication between the camera head 11102 and the CCU 11201 may be performed by wireless communication.

The description has been given above of one example of the endoscopic surgery system, to which the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable. The technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applicable to, for example, the image pickup unit 11402 of the configurations described above. Applying the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to the image pickup unit 11402 makes it possible to improve detection accuracy.

It is to be noted that although the endoscopic surgery system has been described as an example here, the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may also be applied to, for example, a microscopic surgery system, and the like.

<Example of Practical Application to Mobile Body>

The technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (present technology) is applicable to various products. For example, the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be achieved in the form of an apparatus to be mounted to a mobile body of any kind. Non-limiting examples of the mobile body may include an automobile, an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, any personal mobility device, an airplane, an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone), a vessel, a robot, a construction machine, and an agricultural machine (tractor).

FIG. 12 is a block diagram depicting an example of schematic configuration of a vehicle control system as an example of a mobile body control system to which the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied.

The vehicle control system 12000 includes a plurality of electronic control units connected to each other via a communication network 12001. In the example depicted in FIG. 12, the vehicle control system 12000 includes a driving system control unit 12010, a body system control unit 12020, an outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030, an in-vehicle information detecting unit 12040, and an integrated control unit 12050. In addition, a microcomputer 12051, a sound/image output section 12052, and a vehicle-mounted network interface (I/F) 12053 are illustrated as a functional configuration of the integrated control unit 12050.

The driving system control unit 12010 controls the operation of devices related to the driving system of the vehicle in accordance with various kinds of programs. For example, the driving system control unit 12010 functions as a control device for a driving force generating device for generating the driving force of the vehicle, such as an internal combustion engine, a driving motor, or the like, a driving force transmitting mechanism for transmitting the driving force to wheels, a steering mechanism for adjusting the steering angle of the vehicle, a braking device for generating the braking force of the vehicle, and the like.

The body system control unit 12020 controls the operation of various kinds of devices provided to a vehicle body in accordance with various kinds of programs. For example, the body system control unit 12020 functions as a control device for a keyless entry system, a smart key system, a power window device, or various kinds of lamps such as a headlamp, a backup lamp, a brake lamp, a turn signal, a fog lamp, or the like. In this case, radio waves transmitted from a mobile device as an alternative to a key or signals of various kinds of switches can be input to the body system control unit 12020. The body system control unit 12020 receives these input radio waves or signals, and controls a door lock device, the power window device, the lamps, or the like of the vehicle.

The outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030 detects information about the outside of the vehicle including the vehicle control system 12000. For example, the outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030 is connected with an imaging section 12031. The outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030 makes the imaging section 12031 image an image of the outside of the vehicle, and receives the imaged image. On the basis of the received image, the outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030 may perform processing of detecting an object such as a human, a vehicle, an obstacle, a sign, a character on a road surface, or the like, or processing of detecting a distance thereto.

The imaging section 12031 is an optical sensor that receives light, and which outputs an electric signal corresponding to a received light amount of the light. The imaging section 12031 can output the electric signal as an image, or can output the electric signal as information about a measured distance. In addition, the light received by the imaging section 12031 may be visible light, or may be invisible light such as infrared rays or the like.

The in-vehicle information detecting unit 12040 detects information about the inside of the vehicle. The in-vehicle information detecting unit 12040 is, for example, connected with a driver state detecting section 12041 that detects the state of a driver. The driver state detecting section 12041, for example, includes a camera that images the driver. On the basis of detection information input from the driver state detecting section 12041, the in-vehicle information detecting unit 12040 may calculate a degree of fatigue of the driver or a degree of concentration of the driver, or may determine whether the driver is dozing.

The microcomputer 12051 can calculate a control target value for the driving force generating device, the steering mechanism, or the braking device on the basis of the information about the inside or outside of the vehicle which information is obtained by the outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030 or the in-vehicle information detecting unit 12040, and output a control command to the driving system control unit 12010. For example, the microcomputer 12051 can perform cooperative control intended to implement functions of an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) which functions include collision avoidance or shock mitigation for the vehicle, following driving based on a following distance, vehicle speed maintaining driving, a warning of collision of the vehicle, a warning of deviation of the vehicle from a lane, or the like.

In addition, the microcomputer 12051 can perform cooperative control intended for automatic driving, which makes the vehicle to travel autonomously without depending on the operation of the driver, or the like, by controlling the driving force generating device, the steering mechanism, the braking device, or the like on the basis of the information about the outside or inside of the vehicle which information is obtained by the outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030 or the in-vehicle information detecting unit 12040.

In addition, the microcomputer 12051 can output a control command to the body system control unit 12020 on the basis of the information about the outside of the vehicle which information is obtained by the outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030. For example, the microcomputer 12051 can perform cooperative control intended to prevent a glare by controlling the headlamp so as to change from a high beam to a low beam, for example, in accordance with the position of a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle detected by the outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030.

The sound/image output section 12052 transmits an output signal of at least one of a sound and an image to an output device capable of visually or auditorily notifying information to an occupant of the vehicle or the outside of the vehicle. In the example of FIG. 12, an audio speaker 12061, a display section 12062, and an instrument panel 12063 are illustrated as the output device. The display section 12062 may, for example, include at least one of an on-board display and a head-up display.

FIG. 13 is a diagram depicting an example of the installation position of the imaging section 12031.

In FIG. 13, the imaging section 12031 includes imaging sections 12101, 12102, 12103, 12104, and 12105.

The imaging sections 12101, 12102, 12103, 12104, and 12105 are, for example, disposed at positions on a front nose, sideview mirrors, a rear bumper, and a back door of the vehicle 12100 as well as a position on an upper portion of a windshield within the interior of the vehicle. The imaging section 12101 provided to the front nose and the imaging section 12105 provided to the upper portion of the windshield within the interior of the vehicle obtain mainly an image of the front of the vehicle 12100. The imaging sections 12102 and 12103 provided to the sideview mirrors obtain mainly an image of the sides of the vehicle 12100. The imaging section 12104 provided to the rear bumper or the back door obtains mainly an image of the rear of the vehicle 12100. The imaging section 12105 provided to the upper portion of the windshield within the interior of the vehicle is used mainly to detect a preceding vehicle, a pedestrian, an obstacle, a signal, a traffic sign, a lane, or the like.

Incidentally, FIG. 13 depicts an example of photographing ranges of the imaging sections 12101 to 12104. An imaging range 12111 represents the imaging range of the imaging section 12101 provided to the front nose. Imaging ranges 12112 and 12113 respectively represent the imaging ranges of the imaging sections 12102 and 12103 provided to the sideview mirrors. An imaging range 12114 represents the imaging range of the imaging section 12104 provided to the rear bumper or the back door. A bird's-eye image of the vehicle 12100 as viewed from above is obtained by superimposing image data imaged by the imaging sections 12101 to 12104, for example.

At least one of the imaging sections 12101 to 12104 may have a function of obtaining distance information. For example, at least one of the imaging sections 12101 to 12104 may be a stereo camera constituted of a plurality of imaging elements, or may be an imaging element having pixels for phase difference detection.

For example, the microcomputer 12051 can determine a distance to each three-dimensional object within the imaging ranges 12111 to 12114 and a temporal change in the distance (relative speed with respect to the vehicle 12100) on the basis of the distance information obtained from the imaging sections 12101 to 12104, and thereby extract, as a preceding vehicle, a nearest three-dimensional object in particular that is present on a traveling path of the vehicle 12100 and which travels in substantially the same direction as the vehicle 12100 at a predetermined speed (for example, equal to or more than 0 km/hour). Further, the microcomputer 12051 can set a following distance to be maintained in front of a preceding vehicle in advance, and perform automatic brake control (including following stop control), automatic acceleration control (including following start control), or the like. It is thus possible to perform cooperative control intended for automatic driving that makes the vehicle travel autonomously without depending on the operation of the driver or the like.

For example, the microcomputer 12051 can classify three-dimensional object data on three-dimensional objects into three-dimensional object data of a two-wheeled vehicle, a standard-sized vehicle, a large-sized vehicle, a pedestrian, a utility pole, and other three-dimensional objects on the basis of the distance information obtained from the imaging sections 12101 to 12104, extract the classified three-dimensional object data, and use the extracted three-dimensional object data for automatic avoidance of an obstacle. For example, the microcomputer 12051 identifies obstacles around the vehicle 12100 as obstacles that the driver of the vehicle 12100 can recognize visually and obstacles that are difficult for the driver of the vehicle 12100 to recognize visually. Then, the microcomputer 12051 determines a collision risk indicating a risk of collision with each obstacle. In a situation in which the collision risk is equal to or higher than a set value and there is thus a possibility of collision, the microcomputer 12051 outputs a warning to the driver via the audio speaker 12061 or the display section 12062, and performs forced deceleration or avoidance steering via the driving system control unit 12010. The microcomputer 12051 can thereby assist in driving to avoid collision.

At least one of the imaging sections 12101 to 12104 may be an infrared camera that detects infrared rays. The microcomputer 12051 can, for example, recognize a pedestrian by determining whether or not there is a pedestrian in imaged images of the imaging sections 12101 to 12104. Such recognition of a pedestrian is, for example, performed by a procedure of extracting characteristic points in the imaged images of the imaging sections 12101 to 12104 as infrared cameras and a procedure of determining whether or not it is the pedestrian by performing pattern matching processing on a series of characteristic points representing the contour of the object. When the microcomputer 12051 determines that there is a pedestrian in the imaged images of the imaging sections 12101 to 12104, and thus recognizes the pedestrian, the sound/image output section 12052 controls the display section 12062 so that a square contour line for emphasis is displayed so as to be superimposed on the recognized pedestrian. The sound/image output section 12052 may also control the display section 12062 so that an icon or the like representing the pedestrian is displayed at a desired position.

The description has been given hereinabove of an example of the vehicle control system to which the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied. The technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to the imaging section 12031 out of the configurations described above. Applying the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure to the imaging section 12031 makes it possible to obtain a captured image that is easier to see. This makes it possible to decrease fatigue of a driver.

Further, the imaging element 1 described in the present embodiment, etc. is applicable to electronic apparatuses such as a surveillance camera, a biometric authentication system, and a thermograph. Examples of the surveillance camera include night vision systems (night scopes). Application of the imaging element 1 to the surveillance camera makes it possible to recognize a pedestrian, an animal, and the like at night from a distance. In addition, influences of a headlight and weather are reduced by application of the imaging element 1 to a vehicle-mounted camera. For example, it is possible to capture an image by shooting without influences of smoke and fog, for example. Further, it is also possible to recognize a shape of an object. In addition, the thermograph allows for contactless temperature measurement. The thermograph also allows for detection of a temperature distribution and heat generation. Additionally, the imaging element 1 is also applicable to electronic apparatuses that detect fire, moisture, gas, or the like.

Although the description has been given by referring to the embodiment and the application examples, the contents of the present disclosure are not limited to the foregoing embodiments, etc., and may be modified in a variety of ways. For example, the layer configuration of the light-receiving element described in the foregoing embodiment is exemplary, and may further include any other layer. In addition, the materials and thicknesses of the respective layers are also exemplary and are not limited to those described above. For example, the description has been given, in the foregoing embodiments, etc., of the case where the first contact layer 12, the photoelectric conversion layer 13, and the second contact layer 14 configure the semiconductor layer 10S. However, the semiconductor layer 10S may not include the second contact layer 14, for example, or may include any other layer.

In addition, the imaging element 1 according to the foregoing embodiment, etc. may further include a color filter layer, an on-chip lens, and the like.

In addition, the description has been given, in the foregoing embodiment, etc., of the case where the signal charges are holes for the sake of convenience. However, the signal charges may be electrons. For example, the diffusion region may include n-type impurities.

In addition, FIG. 3 exemplifies the second opening 172M that tapers as being away from the first contact layer 12; however, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the second opening 172 may taper as being close to the first contact layer 12.

In addition, chemical formulas of the compounds exhibited in the foregoing embodiment, etc. are merely exemplary, and compositions of respective elements may be different from the chemical formulas.

Additionally, the description has been given, in the foregoing embodiment, etc., of the imaging element of a specific example of a semiconductor element of the present technology; however, the semiconductor element of the present technology may be other than the imaging element. For example, the semiconductor element of the present technology may be a light-emitting element.

In addition, the effects described in the foregoing embodiments, etc. are merely exemplary, and may be other effects or may further include other effects.

It is to be noted that the present disclosure may have the following configurations. According to the imaging element, the semiconductor element, and first and second electronic apparatuses, the second opening smaller than the first opening (first insulating layer) is provided in the second insulating layer, thus allowing for easy adjustment of an interval between neighboring second openings. This makes it possible to enhance a degree of freedom of design.

(1)

An imaging element including:

a photoelectric conversion layer including a compound semiconductor material;

a contact layer disposed to be stacked on the photoelectric conversion layer and including a diffusion region of first electrically-conductive type impurities in a selective region;

a first insulating layer provided to be opposed to the photoelectric conversion layer with the contact layer interposed therebetween and having a first opening at a position facing the diffusion region; and

a second insulating layer provided to be opposed to the contact layer with the first insulating layer interposed therebetween and having a second opening that communicates with the first opening and is smaller than the first opening.

(2)

The imaging element according to (1), in which a constituent material of the first insulating layer is different from a constituent material of the second insulating layer.

(3)

The imaging element according to (1) or (2), in which the second insulating layer is constituted by a material that is more easily etched than the constituent material of the first insulating layer under a predetermined condition.

(4)

The imaging element according to any one of (1) to (3), in which the first insulating layer includes at least one of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, hafnium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, tetraethyl orthosilicate, or lanthanum oxide.

(5)

The imaging element according to any one of (1) to (4), further including an electrode provided in the first opening and the second opening, the electrode being electrically coupled to the diffusion region.

(6)

The imaging element according to any one of (1) to (5), in which a part, of the contact layer, other than the diffusion region is of a second electrically-conductive type.

(7)

The imaging element according to any one of (1) to (6), in which the compound semiconductor material includes a group III-V compound semiconductor.

(8)

The imaging element according to any one of (1) to (6), in which the compound semiconductor material includes one of indium gallium arsenide, indium gallium nitride, indium aluminum nitride, indium arsenide antimonide, indium arsenide, indium antimonide, and mercury cadmium tellurium.

(9)

A semiconductor element including:

a semiconductor layer including a contact layer that includes a compound semiconductor material and is provided with a diffusion region of first electrically-conductive type impurities in a selective region;

a first insulating layer being in contact with the contact layer and stacked on the semiconductor layer, the first insulating layer having a first opening at a position facing the diffusion region; and

a second insulating layer provided to be opposed to the contact layer with the first insulating layer interposed therebetween and having a second opening that communicates with the first opening and is smaller than the first opening.

(10)

The semiconductor element according to (9), in which a constituent material of the first insulating layer is different from a constituent material of the second insulating layer.

(11)

The semiconductor element according to (9) or (10), in which the second insulating layer is constituted by a material that is more easily etched than the constituent material of the first insulating layer under a predetermined condition.

(12)

The semiconductor element according to any one of (9) to (11), in which the first insulating layer includes at least one of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, hafnium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, tetraethyl orthosilicate, or lanthanum oxide.

(13)

The semiconductor element according to any one of (9) to (12), further including an electrode provided in the first opening and the second opening, the electrode being electrically coupled to the diffusion region.

(14)

The semiconductor element according to any one of (9) to (13), in which a part, of the contact layer, other than the diffusion region is of a second electrically-conductive type.

(15)

The semiconductor element according to any one of (9) to (14), in which the compound semiconductor material includes a group III-V compound semiconductor.

(16)

The semiconductor element according to any one of (9) to (14), in which the compound semiconductor material includes one of indium gallium arsenide, indium arsenide antimonide, indium arsenide, and indium antimonide.

(17)

An electronic apparatus including an imaging element,

the imaging element including

-   -   a photoelectric conversion layer including a compound         semiconductor material,     -   a contact layer disposed to be stacked on the photoelectric         conversion layer and including a diffusion region of first         electrically-conductive type impurities in a selective region,     -   a first insulating layer provided to be opposed to the         photoelectric conversion layer with the contact layer interposed         therebetween and having a first opening at a position facing the         diffusion region, and     -   a second insulating layer provided to be opposed to the contact         layer with the first insulating layer interposed therebetween         and having a second opening that communicates with the first         opening and is smaller than the first opening.         (18)

An electronic apparatus including a semiconductor element,

the semiconductor element including

-   -   a semiconductor layer including a contact layer that includes a         compound semiconductor material and is provided with a diffusion         region of first electrically-conductive type impurities in a         selective region,     -   a first insulating layer being in contact with the contact layer         and stacked on the semiconductor layer, the first insulating         layer having a first opening at a position facing the diffusion         region, and     -   a second insulating layer provided to be opposed to the contact         layer with the first insulating layer interposed therebetween         and having a second opening that communicates with the first         opening and is smaller than the first opening.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Priority Patent Application JP2018-174635 filed with the Japan Patent Office on Sep. 19, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and alterations may occur depending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they are within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 

1. An imaging element comprising: a photoelectric conversion layer including a compound semiconductor material; a contact layer disposed to be stacked on the photoelectric conversion layer and including a diffusion region of first electrically-conductive type impurities in a selective region; a first insulating layer provided to be opposed to the photoelectric conversion layer with the contact layer interposed therebetween and having a first opening at a position facing the diffusion region; and a second insulating layer provided to be opposed to the contact layer with the first insulating layer interposed therebetween and having a second opening that communicates with the first opening and is smaller than the first opening.
 2. The imaging element according to claim 1, wherein a constituent material of the first insulating layer is different from a constituent material of the second insulating layer.
 3. The imaging element according to claim 1, wherein the second insulating layer is constituted by a material that is more easily etched than a constituent material of the first insulating layer under a predetermined condition.
 4. The imaging element according to claim 1, wherein the first insulating layer includes at least one of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, hafnium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, tetraethyl orthosilicate, or lanthanum oxide.
 5. The imaging element according to claim 1, further comprising an electrode provided in the first opening and the second opening, the electrode being electrically coupled to the diffusion region.
 6. The imaging element according to claim 1, wherein a part, of the contact layer, other than the diffusion region is of a second electrically-conductive type.
 7. The imaging element according to claim 1, wherein the compound semiconductor material comprises a group III-V compound semiconductor.
 8. The imaging element according to claim 1, wherein the compound semiconductor material comprises one of indium gallium arsenide, indium gallium nitride, indium aluminum nitride, indium arsenide antimonide, indium arsenide, indium antimonide, and mercury cadmium tellurium.
 9. A semiconductor element comprising: a semiconductor layer including a contact layer that includes a compound semiconductor material and is provided with a diffusion region of first electrically-conductive type impurities in a selective region; a first insulating layer being in contact with the contact layer and stacked on the semiconductor layer, the first insulating layer having a first opening at a position facing the diffusion region; and a second insulating layer provided to be opposed to the contact layer with the first insulating layer interposed therebetween and having a second opening that communicates with the first opening and is smaller than the first opening.
 10. The semiconductor element according to claim 9, wherein a constituent material of the first insulating layer is different from a constituent material of the second insulating layer.
 11. The semiconductor element according to claim 9, wherein the second insulating layer is constituted by a material that is more easily etched than a constituent material of the first insulating layer under a predetermined condition.
 12. The semiconductor element according to claim 9, wherein the first insulating layer includes at least one of aluminum oxide, silicon nitride, hafnium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, tetraethyl orthosilicate, or lanthanum oxide.
 13. The semiconductor element according to claim 9, further comprising an electrode provided in the first opening and the second opening, the electrode being electrically coupled to the diffusion region.
 14. The semiconductor element according to claim 9, wherein a part, of the contact layer, other than the diffusion region is of a second electrically-conductive type.
 15. The semiconductor element according to claim 9, wherein the compound semiconductor material comprises a group III-V compound semiconductor.
 16. The semiconductor element according to claim 9, wherein the compound semiconductor material comprises one of indium gallium arsenide, indium arsenide antimonide, indium arsenide, and indium antimonide.
 17. An electronic apparatus comprising an imaging element, the imaging element including a photoelectric conversion layer including a compound semiconductor material, a contact layer disposed to be stacked on the photoelectric conversion layer and including a diffusion region of first electrically-conductive type impurities in a selective region, a first insulating layer provided to be opposed to the photoelectric conversion layer with the contact layer interposed therebetween and having a first opening at a position facing the diffusion region, and a second insulating layer provided to be opposed to the contact layer with the first insulating layer interposed therebetween and having a second opening that communicates with the first opening and is smaller than the first opening.
 18. An electronic apparatus comprising a semiconductor element, the semiconductor element including a semiconductor layer including a contact layer that includes a compound asemiconductor material and is provided with a diffusion region of first electrically-conductive type impurities in a selective region, a first insulating layer being in contact with the contact layer and stacked on the semiconductor layer, the first insulating layer having a first opening at a position facing the diffusion region, and a second insulating layer provided to be opposed to the contact layer with the first insulating layer interposed therebetween and having a second opening that communicates with the first opening and is smaller than the first opening. 